Yellow-throated Sandgrouse

The yellow-throated sandgrouse (Pterocles gutturalis) is a bird species of the family Pteroclidae. The species common name is derived from the male's distinctive yellow throat. It is found in arid and semi-arid environments and inhabits regions distributed across 10 different African countries. Two subspecies are accepted, P. g. saturatior and P. g. gutturalis. The yellow-throated sandgrouse is listed as Near Threatened in the South African regional assessment but regarded as Least Concerned globally. == Taxonomy == Pterocles gutturalis is one of the 16 species in Pteroclidae, the only family in the order Pterocliformes. Early morphological analyses placed the group at an intermediate position between fowls and pigeons (Columbiformes). However, a later study on feather structure suggest a closer evolutionary connection with shorebirds (Charadriiformes). Molecular and behavioural analyses support that the yellow-throated sandgrouse is part of the short-tailed clade, which also includes the Madagascar sandgrouse (P. personatus), and the crowned sandgrouse (P. coronatus). Genetic assessments indicate that P. personatus, a species found only in Madagascar, is the sister species of the yellow-throated sandgrouse. The species was divided into two subspecies with the description of subspecies P. g. saturatior in 1900. == Description == The species has long and pointed wings adapted…